Spain
Spain in 9 Days
Late dinners, big cities and Andalusian heat. One of the best value destinations in Western Europe.
Overview
Spain gives you more for your money than most of its neighbours, especially outside Barcelona and Madrid. A good lunch menu still costs around 14 to 18 EUR in many cities, and intercity trains are fast and reasonably priced if booked ahead.
The main decision is north versus south. Andalusia (Seville, Cordoba, Granada) is the postcard Spain of tiled courtyards and Moorish architecture, and it is very hot from June to early September. The north (Bilbao, San Sebastian, Asturias) is green, cooler and food obsessed.
Adjust to the local clock or you will eat badly. Lunch runs from roughly 14:00, dinner rarely starts before 21:00, and many kitchens genuinely close in between.
Suggested duration and general route
Typical length: 8 to 12 days
- 1
Madrid · 3 nights
Museums, neighbourhoods, day trip to Toledo or Segovia.
- 2
Seville · 3 nights
Old city, Alcazar, evening walks along the river.
- 3
Granada or Barcelona · 3 nights
Alhambra, or coast and modernist architecture.
Same destination, different journey
Travel style options for Spain
Each scenario below is a complete route with its own pace, budget and day-by-day outline.
Photos from Spain
Related guides
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